A CRAZED robber who threatened staff and police at knifepoint as he ran amok in a convenience store was jailed for three years this morning.

Bricklayer James Lewis, 22, of Priory Close, Shrewton, tried to rob the Co-op in Shrewton Hight Street armed with a nine-inch blade on February 2.

Brave PCSO William Todd tackled the robber, and Judge Barnett praised his "incredible courage" at Salisbury Crown Court today.

Judge Barnett said Lewis had been totally out of control and had acted like a wild animal.

Relatives in the public gallery looked stunned as Lewis was led away.

The court heard that Lewis had argued with his father after drinking heavily on the day of the robbery.

He had stormed out of the house armed with two kitchen knives, one of which, a nine-inch serrated blade, was shown to the judge.

Lewis had said to his father: "You don't know what I dream about at night.

"You have heard about people who have killed people, they are still remembered in ten years.

"I want to cut someone's jugular."

Prosecuting, Rob Welling said: "It was extraordinarily lucky the police had been called in relation to the domestic incident, such that police officers were already en route to the scene."

Outside the Co-op, PCSO Shona Maycock tried to distract Lewis and talk him down but he burst into the store and demanded "everything you've got" from the terrified shop assistant.

The frenzied action was caught on CCTV and the footage was shown to the court.

To see the shocking CCTV footage, click here.

Lewis was seen lunging at the shop assistant, who he had known all his life, grabbing him by the shirt and waving the knife in his face, before leaping over the counter.

PCSO Todd then intervened, distracting Lewis and allowing two staff members to escape.

Back-up soon arrived and Lewis was stunned with a Taser.

Judge Barnett said: "PCSO Todd should certainly receive a commendation for his actions."

At the scene, Lewis claimed to have only drunk two half-bottles of wine and said he had not meant to rob anyone, he just "wanted the buzz".

He said he wanted to scare someone but he didn't know why.

Shop staff spoke of a "completely terrifying experience", believing they were going to be stabbed.

PCSO Todd said he had never been in such a serious confrontation in his ten years on the force.

He has been having flashbacks since the raid and has even considered quitting the police.

Representing Lewis, Tom Horder said his client's friends and family were shocked and devastated by the incident.

Mr Horder said Lewis was remorseful and truly sorry for his behaviour, which had been completely out of character.

He said Lewis had seen the footage and had described it as horrific, saying he was shocked to see himself behaving in such a way.

The only reason offered for the attack was alcohol, with Lewis described as someone who became unpredictable when drinking.

Sentencing Lewis, Judge Barnett said: "You went into hat shop and you ran amok. You behaved almost like a wild animal.

"Apart from the incredibly brave actions of a PCSO, Mr Todd, who stood up to you, heaven knows what would have happened."

Judge Barnett told Lewis he had been totally out of control and could have killed someone.

"The tragedy of this case is that in other areas of your life, in your work in particular, and from members of your family, there are glowing reports," he said.

Had Lewis not had the good sense and courage to plead guilty at the earliest opportunity, he would have faced 4½ years behind bars, the judge said.